Let's not allow a little precipitation to rain on your parade. Grab an umbrella and paint the town with this week's event suggestions, which include an artsy talk of massive proportions, an emotional show about a four-legged protagonist, a party in blue, an international tuneful competition and the last opportunity to view an exhibition that reveals your wildest dreams.
"Biggest Mural in Houston" drinks and conversation: Preservons la Creation
If you've driven around Midtown, I am certain you've been awestruck by the massive 8,000-square-feet colorful mural taking shape on San Jacinto, visible from the intersection of Fannin and Tuam streets. The iconic image, that of Michelangelo's The Creation of Adam as part of the Sistine Chapel, has been reimagined by Eyeful Art muralist Sebastien Boileau, aka Mr. D, to encourage dialogue about the temporary nature of street art and graffiti.
Supporters UP Art Studio, Texan-French Alliance for the Arts and the Midtown Cultural Arts and Entertainment District host a mix-and-mingle social during which guests can learn more about Preservons la Creation.
The skinny: Thursday, 5-8 pm.; BlackFinn American Grille; $10 donation at the door.
Gexa Energy Broadway at the Hobby Center presents War Horse
You can't help but fall in love with Joey. The life-size puppet horse, the star of the emotionally charged stage adaptation by Nick Stafford based on a novel by English author Michael Morpurgo, steals the show as it embodies a universal story of friendship that prevails against all odds, through war, through separation. Engineered by the Handspring Puppet Company, it's unbelievable what this creature can do.
Bring a tissue to this feel-good performance.
The skinny: Through June 1; Hobby Center for the Performing Arts; tickets start at $30.
"Rhythm & Blue Cure" Benefit Party at Hotel ZaZa
While summer may be compelling you to think about what you look like on the outside, this Men's Health Awareness Month kickoff bash focuses on what you can do to feel fabu on the inside. The Blue Cure Foundation, helmed by cancer survivor Gabe Canales, raises funds to continue educating the public about prostate cancer with a fashionable party chaired by KHOU Ch. 11's Lily Jang, Houston Texans' Chris Meyers and the Dynamo's Michael Chabala.
It may be a weighty cause, but that doesn't mean the affair can't be chic and cheerful. Guests will enjoy cocktails, light bites and sassy tunes in an ambiance thronged by localebrities and athletes.
The skinny: Friday, 7 p.m.; Hotel ZaZa; advance tickets start at $65.
39th Annual Houston Symphony Ima Hogg Competition
It's one of the Houston Symphony's best kept secrets, a competition that offers emerging classical music stars a boost in their performance careers. With the Gold Medal prize increased to $25,000, the profile of the tuneful feud has risen to another level.
In addition to cash awards, 10 semifinalists will vie for a spotlight opportunity with the Houston Symphony. After the semifinal round, set for Thursday, four hopefuls will advance to perform concerti with the Houston Symphony at the finals on Saturday.
The skinny: Thursday and Saturday; Rice University's Shepherd School of Music; admission is free.
Magritte: The Mystery of the Ordinary, 1926-1938
It's now or never. With the final days of this Menil Collection exhibition approaching (it closes on Sunday), the clock is ticking to experience rarely seen works by the influential Surrealist. The exhibition that has enjoyed record-breaking attendance explores how the artist awakened the spirit of run-of-the-mill objects so that they "shriek aloud."
Amid the numerous allusions to pop culture are the inspiration behind the CBS logo, visuals used by the The Beatles and Steve Jobs' muse in naming his then technology startup.
The skinny: On view through Sunday; Menil Collection; free admission.
A scene from the 2013 Blue Cure Foundation party at Hotel ZaZa.
